Stricklin starts search for women's coach

The coaching era of Sharon Fanning-Otis is over at Mississippi State and the search for the next women's basketball coach has begun.

No timetable has been given for when a new coach for the Lady Bulldogs will be hired, but athletic director Scott Stricklin understands the importance of getting the right person for the job.

"We're aggressively moving forward with the task of finding a new women's basketball coach, which is a critical hire for our department," Stricklin said in his monthly on-line newsletter to MSU supporters.

"Women's basketball is a sport that generates widespread exposure due to ESPN and its reach, and we have a chance to benefit Our State with that exposure as we build upon the foundation that Coach Sharon Fanning-Otis has laid."

Fanning-Otis has not indicated if she will be consulted on who the next coach of the Lady Bulldogs will be.
As she observes what is taking place around campus with facilities and other areas, Fanning-Otis is confidence the administration is going to find the right person.

"I'm sure they are well aware of market value that has to take place in order for that to happen," Fanning-Otis said in terms of a coaching search. "The facilities are huge in terms of recruitment and the Mize Center is such a blessing for our program. As you change a staff, you have to evaluate. They have been wise in terms of other commitments they are making and they will do the same thing here. All of those things will lead up to that big step for our program and for the success we are expecting."

Fanning-Otis is excited about what MSU has to offer and looks forward to promoting those things in her new role with the Bulldog Club.

"When you look at the softball program, soccer, golf or on down the line and from the university standpoint with what (president) Dr. (Mark) Keenum is doing, it's a great time to be a part of Mississippi State University and Mississippi State athletics," Fanning-Otis said.